Better Business Headshots: Tips for Planning Your Company Shoot

It's time to get in front of the camera and show off your good side. That's right, it's time for a new set of business headshots! Are you ready for your time in the spotlight? 

Many employers underestimate the value of company photos. They're an important part of your corporate identity, but too many people leave them as an afterthought. Not you, though; you're ready to schedule a shoot.

But why take corporate headshots anyway? What's the point, and how do you even get started? We're here to answer these questions and more. Read on to learn all about planning your business photoshoot. 

Professional Headshot from Pawsh Photography in Minneapolis MN

What Is the Purpose of Business Headshots?

First, let's talk briefly about why a business owner would even want to invest money in brand photography outside of product photography. What's the point of business headshots? Can they really benefit your company?

All businesses are different, but in a word, yes! There are many benefits of a business photoshoot for employers and employees alike. Here's a quick rundown. 

Professionalism

Business headshots convey a sense of professionalism. They make the team look polished, and that's crucial when it comes to creating a positive impression on clients, customers, potential future employees, and anyone else who interacts with your business. 

A professional photoshoot shows you put time and effort into your image and your employees. Would you think that a business that used cell phone selfies of their employees looked super professional? Probably not, unless it was for a specific "vibe."

Branding

Business headshots help with a company's overall brand. They help business owners and marketers present a consistent and cohesive image across all brand marketing materials. This includes things like websites, social media profiles, brochures, and business cards that can all have photos from the professional shoot on them.

Consistent branding helps strengthen brand recognition. Each well-done professional photo reinforces the company's identity!

Personal Connection

Business headshots can really humanize a company. They help put faces to the names of employees, which can help build trust among consumers.

Even if the business only operates online, the photos make interactions more relatable and approachable. Customers are more likely to engage with a company when they can see the humans who are behind it. 

Professional Networking

Business headshots are often used for professional networking purposes. They're helpful for both the business as a whole and the individual employees who may want to do their own networking.

You can use these photos to network on LinkedIn profiles, conference presentations, and even industry events with your other branding materials. A professional headshot can help anyone make a fantastic first impression and stand out in a seriously competitive professional environment.

Recruitment and Talent Acquisition

High-quality business headshots can seriously enhance a company's recruitment efforts. If you're looking for some talented new hires, it might be time for a photoshoot!

A good company photoshoot showcases employees in a positive light. Potential job candidates are more likely to be attracted to a company that values its employees and shows professionalism with a nice shoot. 

Employee Morale and Engagement

Providing employees with professional headshots can boost morale and engagement. Employees who are happier and more engaged are also more productive, so this benefits everyone.

Professional photoshoots make employees feel valued and appreciated. The shoot may foster a sense of pride in their work and increase their loyalty to the company. 

Online Presence and Visibility

In today's digital age, having professional business headshots is an absolute must when it comes to maintaining a strong online presence. If you're not using professional photos on your website and social media platforms, you're missing out on potential customers. 

Photos are often more effective than graphics on social media, and doing occasional "employee spotlight" posts with your professional photos can boost your social media presence. 

How Can You Plan the Perfect Company Photoshoot? 

Alright, so now that you know why you should set up a company photoshoot, how can you get started? Is it as easy as hiring a photographer off of the street and winging it, or tasking an intern with taking iPhone photos?

In most cases, no. Yes, there are talented interns and street photographers out there, but your business photos are an investment. You're placing an element of your corporate identity in the hands of a stranger, so you want them to be professional. 

Let's break down some helpful tips that can help you ensure that you end up with photos that you love. 

Define Your Goals

Start planning your photoshoot by clearly defining your purpose and goals. What message do you want to convey through the images? How do you plan on using the photos? Will you be using them for business cards, posters, social media posts, or something else entirely? 

Understanding your goals will guide the planning process and help you make sure the photos align with the company's overall vision and branding. You can even create a brand mood board and some charts to help you during this stage. You can include colors you like, backgrounds you're considering, the photography style you're leaning toward, and anything else that catches your attention.

These things will be helpful later on when you're trying to find a good photographer. They can use these resources to help you plan your shoot and make sure that your vision comes to life. 

Create a Shot List

Develop a shot list outlining the specific images you want to capture during the photoshoot. You can be as vague or as specific as you like here. Remember that your photographer may also have their own ideas as well, so if you're struggling to come up with a good shot list, don't worry!

Consider including a variety of shots, such as individual headshots, group photos, candid shots of employees at work (or "faux candid" shots), and photos of company products and services. You likely won't be doing professional photoshoots very often, so it's best to cover as much ground as possible. 

Having a shot list will help keep the photoshoot organized. It will also help you make sure the photographer captures all essential shots. 

Choose the Right Location

Where are you going to do this shoot? This isn't the type of a photoshoot you'll want to do in a scenic garden amidst the flowers (unless, of course, you run a flower shop). You're looking for something professional that suits your vibe. 

Select a good location for the photoshoot that aligns with the company's brand identity and the aesthetic that you're going for. It could be a professional set in a photo studio, the company's office space, or even an outdoor setting. 

As long as the location complements the overall theme of the photoshoot and provides plenty of space and lighting for capturing high-quality images, it's a good location. 

If you're not sure where to go, you can always ask your photographer for advice. 

Consider Logistics

So when are you planning on getting this photoshoot done? Timing can be tricky with company shoots, so you'll have to work together with your employees (and the weather) to pick the perfect time.

Coordinate the timing of the photoshoot to make sure that it doesn't conflict with the company's operations or employees' schedules. If you're requiring employees to be in the photoshoot, you should be paying them for their time and you should not do the shoot during any scheduled breaks. 

Consider things that are somewhat outside of your control, like the lighting conditions, weather (if you want to do outdoor shoots), and any necessary permits or permissions required for your chosen location.

Plan ahead and communicate clearly with everyone involved (employees, photographers, and any other staff who are helping you make photo magic) to minimize disruptions and make your photoshoot as smooth as possible. 

Hire a Professional Photographer

Invest in hiring a professional photographer with experience in corporate photography and business headshots. Not all photographers will be good at this type of work, so you're going to want to look at portfolios before you make any commitments. You wouldn't hire someone with a portfolio only full of cute baby pictures for your professional business photoshoot, right? 

Look for photographers who understand your company's branding and aesthetic preferences and have a portfolio that aligns with your vision for the photoshoot. If you're not sure whether or not a photographer has what it takes to pull off the shoot that you want, reach out and ask if they have any more examples that may align more with what you're looking for.

A great photographer won't only capture high-quality images. They'll also provide helpful insights and guidance throughout the process to make it fun and easy for everyone. 

Coordinate Styling

This isn't a fashion shoot, but you still want everyone to look put-together and professional. Coordinate styling with your employees so you're all on the same page and everyone arrives looking great.

Make sure that employees are appropriately dressed and groomed for the photoshoot. You could even offer them guidelines or suggestions for wardrobe choices that reflect the company's brand and image. In most cases, the things they'd wear to work would be appropriate, but you may want them to dress up a bit.

Pay attention to details such as hair, makeup, and accessories. You want everyone to look fairly cohesive, so employees should avoid any "over-the-top" looks unless that's part of your brand. If you're really willing to go all-out, you could even hire a stylist or makeup artist for the day of the shoot.

Communicate with Your Employees

Keep employees informed and engaged throughout the planning process. Remember, the photos will be valuable to them too! They'll likely want a say in their individual headshots, as they may use them for their own networking purposes.

Make sure to be clear when you communicate the date, time, and location of the photoshoot, as well as any specific instructions or expectations for your employees on the day of. Encourage your more hesitant employees to participate with incentives. 

Ask for feedback from your employees when you're going over your photo plans. Your employees may have some unique ideas that you wouldn't have otherwise thought of! 

Ask for Photographer Feedback

Speaking of feedback, don't be afraid to ask your photographer for feedback. They're used to it! They want you to end up with photos you love, and if that means offering some advice, so be it!

If you're not sure how to pose, what colors to wear, or even what to do with your hands when you feel awkward in a photo, ask! Your photographer has done this before and they'll have some helpful advice for you.

Plan for Post-Production

So your photos are done and you're ready to start posting them. Woah, not so fast; they're not ready yet!

You need to factor in time for post-production work. This includes any editing and retouching of the photos. Photographers all have different editing styles and methods, so this will vary.

Discuss your editing preferences with the photographer and try to establish a timeline for delivering the final photos. Allow a little bit of wiggle room just in case anything comes up.

This is a great time to consider any additional graphics or branding elements that may need to be incorporated into the images before you use them for marketing purposes. You can start making graphics and writing posts that you'll pair with the images ahead of time. 

It's Time for Your Business Photoshoot

Are you ready to get professional business headshots taken? You and your employees deserve it! Be models for a day and get professional photos for all of your marketing and networking needs.

These tips will help you make sure your photoshoot goes off without a hitch. 

At Pawsh Photography, we're more than just pet photos. Our business headshots are top-notch, and we're ready to make your whole team look their best. 

If you're in or near Minneapolis St. Paul, we'd love to do your shoot! Reach out to book with us today.